Beverly D. (Russell) Lockhart, age 81 passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, July 13, 2023 at her home in Brown County.
Beverly was born April 26, 1942 in Indianapolis, to her parents, the late Don C. & Effie May (Crooke) Russell. She attended Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis. Beverly began her catering business in 1979 after raising her family. Her culinary skills were much sought after and she was honored when she received the opportunity to cater for the Indianapolis Mayor’s Dinner. As a caterer, Beverly often spoiled her family with their favorite treats which included scones and cherry pie. She retired in 1999 from professional catering. After retirement, Beverly worked as a cook for the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church and for Central Catering, both of Indianapolis.
Beverly was a devoted member of the Brown County Community Church and a former member of the Bear Creek Community Church. Other memberships included, the Brown County Hopeful Planters Garden Club, Red Hat Society, Bucks & Does Square Dancers, Brown County Historical Society and President of the Indiana Club in Golf Shores, Alabama. Beverly had an extensive collection of cookie jars and cruet sets from the Victorian era. She started her cookie jar collection when her husband George found one on his construction site. It was one of the first Roselyn Bakeries designs, a rooster cookie jar and her collection quickly grew to more than 150 cookie jars before she began to downsize her collection. Beverly also enjoyed card making and flower gardening. Her day lilies won several First Place and ‘Best of Show’ at the Brown County Fair over the years.
Beverly was preceded in death on March 10, 2023 by her husband of 64 years, George E. Lockhart, whom she married on August 30, 1958 in Indianapolis. She was also preceded by her daughter, Kimberlee Lockhart-Massaro.
Beverly enjoyed being a mother and a devoted wife. She was only 16 when she married the love of her life. She credits their lasting relationship to knowing that even though there would be disagreements, it was always important to say ‘I love you’ at the end of the day.
Beverly is survived by her son, Kevin Eugene (Carol) Lockhart of Martinsville; grandchildren, Christina (Daniel) Mason-Lockhart of Indianapolis, James Lockhart of Mooresville, Michael (Diedra) Massaro of Carmel, Christopher (Darby) Massaro of Alabama, Debbie (Mark) Frost of Mooresville & David (Tammy) Minardo of Martinsville; son-in-law, Ed Massaro of Indianapolis; 14 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren.
Pastor Ken Smith conducted a funeral service on Tuesday at at the Brown County Community Church, 2370 Main Street in Helmsburg. A graveside service was held on Tuesday at Washington Park East Cemetery in Indianapolis.
Memorial contributions can be sent in honor of Beverly to the Brown County Community Church, “Memorial Fund” 2370 Main St., Helmsburg, IN 47435.
Condolences may be made to the Lockhart family at meredith-clark.com.
